Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he cannot expect preferential treatment after taking part in a secret training session in his native Madeira.
The Juventus superstar was pictured training at a stadium on the island, despite the public being told to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ronaldo was spotted training at the Madeira national stadium, home of club CD Nacional, in the capital Funchal on the Portuguese island.
Government chiefs warned Ronaldo he cannot expect any “privilege” and must set an example by abiding by the social distancing regulations in place to stop the spread of the virus.
Madeira's head of health, Pedro Ramos, said: “Ronaldo has no special permission to train.
“He has the right to train as long as he respects the rules like all citizens - there is no privilege.
“All citizens can leave the house and do so, as long as they do not cause gatherings and maintain a safe distance during the exercise. Therefore, Ronaldo did what we have seen.
'There was no special authorisation because we are all the same, we are all facing the same pandemic.
“The best player in the world must use his image to set an example, but Cristiano seems to me to have done just a few minutes of exercise and, therefore, there is no harm in the world.
“I would not like it to be said that it is trivialisation, because we are all responsible.
“All Madeirans are complying with the rules of the regional government. And those who do not know that the forces of authority can exercise their power.”
Ronaldo has been in Madeira since the start of March as he went to visit his mother after she suffered a stroke.
With Serie A suspended shortly afterwards he has opted to stay there since, and is living with other family members.
